R. Lindsey, Evans, M. Jenner, McConville, Henson, And Dineen Score Deering Management Group Open Wheel Extravaganza Wins At SSP
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Dryden Racing Media)
Banks, Oregon- Despite a brief shower in the late afternoon, Sunset Speedway Park managed to complete all main events on Saturday, August 10th. The ¼-mile clay oval hosted the Open Wheel Extravaganza presented by Deering Management Group. Six different divisions were on the card including visits from the Wingless Sprint Series and the Wicked Energy Gum Northwest Focus Midget Series. Other classes on hand were the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, and both the Open and Restricted Micro Sprints.
Rob Lindsey parked it on the front straightaway when the dust settled in the Wingless Sprint Series main event. The Sherwood chauffeur collected his second consecutive series win to become the first multi-feature winner of the series in 2019. Salem’s Tim Alberding posted a runner-up result with Tahuya, Washington driver Nate Geister in third. Sutherlin teenager Cooper Desbiens crossed the wire in fourth with Lance Hallmark, of McMinnville, behind him, in fifth.
Granite Falls, Washington driver Nick Evans got the job done in the Wicked Energy Gum Northwest Focus Midget Series. It is the seventh occasion that he has managed to best the field. Nik Larson, of Graham, Washington, was second with Snohomish, Washington’s Chance Crum ending his night in third. Veteran racer Mike Stryker, from Kent, Washington, posted a fourth-place result while Elma, Washington competitor Garrett Thomas was fifth.
Matt Jenner of Vancouver, Washington was the first IMCA Modified driver to cross the start-finish line when the checkered flag dropped. He is the newest victor in the class and is the sixth different driver to visit the winner’s circle. Aloha’s Doug Lockwood was in the second spot over Robert Jenner, also out of Vancouver, Washington. Woodland, Washington native Kristi Somers grabbed fourth while Ted Rees, of West Linn, wrapping up the top five, in fifth.
Justen McConnville made a reappearance to victory lane after a bit of a hiatus. The Dundee driver now has a total of three feature wins in the Open Micro class. Mount Vernon, Washington youngster Macie Logsdon finished as the runner-up while Kai Dixon ended his night third. Newberg teenager Casey Starr posted a strong fourth over fifth finishing Audre Balmert, of Granite Falls, Washington.
The IMCA Sport Mods witnessed a couple of new faces in the field, including the driver that managed to beat them in the main. Medford traveler Merissa Henson scored a massive win in the teenager’s first visit to SSP. Freya Sweere, of McMinnville, was second and making it an all-female top three was Medford’s Brionna Fuller, in third. Vancouver, Washington gasser Tanner Krohling crossed the wire in fourth over Don West, of St. Helens, in fifth.
Lastly, the Restricted Micro ranks had a new race winner this season. Mason Dineen, from Aberdeen, Washington, is the latest driver to emerge triumphant in the class. Jesson Jacobsen, hailing out of Stanwood, Washington, got second while Macie Logsdon, performing double duty, was third. Canby’s Andy Schindler was the lone Oregonian among the top five, in fourth, and Audrey Balmert, also doing double duty, posting a fifth-place finish.
Sunset Speedway Park returns to racing on Thursday, August 15th with the return of the Interstate Sprint Car Series and Dwarf Cars. Both groups will be embarking on their second-ever “Week of Speed.” Ticket prices are $13.00 for Adults and Seniors/Military/Juniors (13-17) $10.00, Youths (6-12) $5.00, and Kids (5 & Under) are FREE. A Family Pass (Two Adults and up to four Youths (6-12)) is offered for $35.00 while Premium Seats are available for $25.00 each. Pit Gates open at 2:00 PM, Front Gates 4:00, with racing kicking off at 6:00. For more information, log on to www.sunsetspeedwaypark.com.
2019 Sunset Speedway Park Supporters:
FinishLine Graphics
Jim’s Thriftway
RockAuto.com
Budweiser
Speed Shift TV
Tommy’s Transmissions
Schram Brothers Excavating
Rockstar Energy Drinks
Speedmart Inc.
Hoosier Racing Tires
Sunset Park
Pick-N-Pull Self-Service Used Auto Parts
R.S. Race Products
Maletis Beverage
Jackson Industries
98.7 The Bull
Bud Light
Pepsi Co.
City of Banks
Checkered Flag Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating
Bridgeport Logistics
PGH Excavating
Highway Heavy Hauling
Deering Management Group
- Ben Deatherage on Aug 11, 2019
- Article Date: 8/11/2019